October 20th, 1933 to December 27th, 2024.
It is with profound sadness that our family announces the death of our beloved father, grand-dad and great grand-dad on Friday December 27th, 2024 at the age of 91. Dad passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at St. Mary’s hospital in Sechelt.
Andy is survived by his daughters Judith, Shirley (Bryan) and son Geoffrey (Wendy), grandchildren Gary (Kim), Miles, Laura (Mike), Amber, and great grandchildren Elliott, Finn, Elena, Madeline, Lucia and his much beloved four-legged friends Tika, Tonka, Ginger, Trigger, Whitey, Sienna and Shelly. Andy was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years Pamela, his parents Charles and Dorothy, his sister Jean and his brother Frederick.
Andy was born in Billingham, England where he met his future bride Pamela and embarked on a successful career as a Steamfitter/Welder for Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI). Andy also served his time in the RAF as a Radar Operator stationed in West Kirby, Cheshire.
In 1967, mum and dad made the life-changing decision to follow their adventurous spirit to immigrate to Canada and never looked back. This pioneering passion took him on a journey of discovery through the oil fields of Fort McMurray to eventually settling on the Sunshine Coast where he enjoyed a successful 25 year career with Howe Sound Pulp and Paper, retiring in 1994.
Dad had a love of the outdoors and his favourite pastimes were gold panning and moose hunting in the snow covered hills and gold laden creeks of Northern B.C. Dad also loved crabbing and fishing. In fact when he retired he embarked on a second career as a volunteer deck hand on commercial shrimp, salmon and halibut boats, always willing to trade his efforts for a share of the catch. Dad also shared a passion for beer and wine making, gardening, travelling to warm destinations and enjoying the sunsets at Gower Point with the love of his life Pam.
Dad was an incredible storyteller keeping his grand children enthralled with his childhood songs and jokes. His favourite album was “Tales of the Yukon” by Hank Snow, which summed up dad’s love for adventure and his pioneering spirit. Dad was most generous with his time and a mentor to so many, always willing to lend a hand, or weld something out of stainless steel for his fishing buddies or his family’s projects. He was always thinking of others and he will be dearly missed and forever admired by his family.
Our family would like to thank all of the health care professionals that have looked after Andy over the last several years, with a special thank you to Dr. Brenda Li. At dad’s request there will not be a service. For those wishing to make a donation in his memory, please consider the Salvation Army or the BCSPCA.
